Diana Vincent is one of the world's foremost fine jewelry designers. Her uncle is James Galanos, the famed couture fashion designer for notables such as Diana Ross, Nancy Reagan, Rosalind Russell and many others.

For more on client Diana Vincent and her work, please see the recent article below. Article courtesy of the Bucks County Courier Times 12/14/06.

By KATHRYN M. D’IMPERIO

Focus on Newtown

Marilyn Monroe once said that the body is meant to be seen, not all covered up. The same sentiment is true of exquisite jewelry — each unique showpiece should be proudly worn for all to see. At Diana Vincent Jewelers Designers and Platinumsmiths in Washington Crossing, the key focus is on finding and creating beautiful jewelry pieces.

Diana Vincent has graced the industry and piqued the interest of jewelry collectors with her designs for more than 20 years. She and her husband, Vincent Polisano, opened the Diana Vincent shop in 1984. The two live in Washington Crossing.

“Inspiration drove the design,” said Polisano. “We were trying to build a place where we could showcase Diana Vincent work in an atmosphere that was very cohesive with our own personal style and the style of our jewelry.

“When we built the store, we kept in mind that we like to interact with our clients on an individual level. There are no showcases here. It’s not traditional; there is no pointing to something.”

Polisano said he and Vincent wanted to dissolve the stereotypical barrier of the glass case that traditionally separates a jewelry store’s visitors from its staff. The store’s owners believe in one-on-one interaction with their guests in the quest to find the perfect piece for their wants and needs. Their goal centered on providing that high quality service in a gallery situation with the comforts of home, which is why the remodeled 1940s Cape Cod style home makes the ideal impression.

“Diana Vincent is the brand, and the store reflects the philosophy of the brand itself,” Polisano said. “We as a company feel very comfortable with our position in the industry. In our first 20 years of business, we sold to better retail stores of the country.”

From diamond engagement rings and wedding bands to bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants, brooches, and more, Diana Vincent creations snagged the spotlight in various local and national media outlets, as well as at the Academy Awards and the Vogue VH1 Fashion Awards. Diamonds, gemstones, and pearls mingle with platinum, gold, and silver to create chic, unique designs for women and men.

“We’ve been dealing with people so long, we already know what their tastes are and what’s on their wish list,” Polisano said.

The store also caters to customers’ diverse jewelry needs far beyond jewelry design and care, including platinum jewelry repairs, cleaning of gemstones, restringing of pearls, and appraisals. Custom jewelry design is not only available but also encouraged. Those interested can bring their ideas or heirloom pieces to the store for a personal consultation that includes a sketch of the intended piece.

“I was always creating from a little kid,” Vincent said. “I always did artwork. I was always creative. What little girl didn’t like fishing through her mother’s jewelry box?”

Before settling on a major in jewelry design, Vincent dabbled in pottery, fabric designing, interior decorating, and graphic design. To date, she has received innumerable awards for her creative designs and exquisite works.

“For my designs, I have no influences, really,” said Vincent. “It all comes from my head. I’m not inspired by anything but myself.”

She said that in her opinion, a good design encompasses balance and movement, often flowing swirls, a beautiful shape with a beginning and an end. Vincent goes for a soft, sensuous feel that looks great from all angles, with intricate detailing down to the very last facet.

Diana Vincent Jewelers, Designers and Platinumsmiths features a full and well-rounded staff of jewelers, diamond setters, technical personnel, a photographer, graduate gemologists, and of course, designer Diana Vincent. The eclectic group of artisans works together to produce all of the jewelry studio’s offerings, right here in Bucks.

“Washington Crossing and Newtown are the same kind of towns, sister communities,” Polisano said. “We support everyone in our communities, every local school, charity, fire company, and St. Mary’s Hospital. We try to give back. Eighty percent of our business is coming from Newtown and Washington Crossing areas.”

“This whole business has been built around Diana Vincent’s talents and her ability to be a visionary in jewelry design. That’s the reason we can stay in business in such an overcrowded marketplace, because we have something that no one else has, and that’s Diana Vincent Jewelry Designs.”

Kathryn M. D’Imperio, a freelance writer, can be reached by e-mail at danceswithwords@epix.net.

Diana Vincent creations have snagged the spotlight in various local and national media outlets.

FYI Diana Vincent Jewelers Designers and Platinumsmiths is located at 1099 General Greene Road & Route 532 in Washington Crossing. Call 215-493-0969 or 1-800-283-8759 for more information, or visit on the Web site at www.dianavincent.com .